The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1887-09-21

We indeed seem to feel our own want of
political wisdom, since we have been run
ming about in search OF IL. We have gone
back to ancient history for models of gov
eminent, and examined the diff
ferent forms of those republics, which,
having been formed with the seeds OF their
own dissolution, now no longer exist. In
this situation of this Assembly, cropping as
it were in the dark, TO find political truth,
and scarce able to distinguish il when pre-
sented to rs, how has it happened, Sir, that
we have not heretofore once thought of
humbly applying to the father of light to
illuminate our understanding" and this
wise man, proposing to his fellows that the
aid and blessing of God should be involved
in the extremity, declared: 81 have lived,
Sir, q long time, aud the longer live the
more convincing proofs 1 see of the truth
that God governs in the affairs OF men.
And If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground
without His notice, is II probable that an
empire can rise without dis aid? We have
been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings
that Except the Lord build the house.,
they labor in vain that build it." 1 firmly
believe this; and / also believe that with
ont His concurring aid we shall succeed
in this political building no better than
the builders Of Babel. We shall be divided
by our little partial, local interests, our
projects will be confounded, and we our
selves shsll become reproach and by word
down TO future sges; and, what is worse,
mankind may hereafter. from this unfOr-
tunate instance, despair of establishing
governments by human wisdom and leave
it TO chance, war aud conquest"
In the face of all discoUragements, the
fathers of the republic labored on for four
long, weary months in alternate hope and
fear, but always with rugged resolve, never
faltering In sturdy endeavor, sanctifsd
by prophetic sense of the value to pos.
terity Of their success, and always with
uDhinching faith In the principles which
make the foundation OF government by
the people.
At last their task was done. Ii is related
that upon the back OF the chair occupied
by Washington as the president of the con-
vention, q sun was painted, and that as the
delegates were signing the complete con-
stitntion, one of them said: 81 have often
and often, in the course of the session, and
in The soIicitude of my hopes aud fears as
to its Issue, looked at that behind the
President without being able to tell
whether il was rising or setting. Butn now,
at length, know that it is a rising and
not setting sum-" We stand
to-day on the spot where this rising
sun emerged from political night
and darkness, and in its own bright me-
ridian light we mark Its glorious way.
Clouds have sometimes obscurei its rays,
and dreadful storms hsve made us fear;
but God has held 1t in Its course, and
through its life-giving warmth has per-
formed his greatest miracle in the creation
OF this wODGrCus land and people. As we
look down the past century to the origin
of cur constitution, as we conte mplate its
tr1sls and its triumphs, as we realize how
completely the principles upoa which 1t is
based have met every National peril and
every National need, how devoutly we
should confess, with franklin, God gov
erns in the affairs OF men," and how SOL
emn should be the reflection thas tn
our hands is committed this ark of
the peoples covenant, and that ours is the
duty to shield it from impious hands. We
receive it sealed with the tests of a century.
IL has been found sufficient in the past
and in all the future years it will be found
sufficient il the American people are true
TO their sacred rights. Another centennial
dsy will come and millions yet unborn
will inquire concerning our sacred ship
and the safety of their Constitution. God
grant that they may find it unimpaired;
and as we rejoice in the patriotism and
devotion of those who lived a hundred
years ago, so may others who
follow us rejoice in our fidelity and In
our jealous love for Constitutional liberty
When the President vas in the middle
of his remarks the soft sound of the bell in
the cupola OF the State house which occu-
pies the place of honor on the structure
wherein reposes that cracked and time.
stained mass of metal-the Liberty bell
rang out the hour OF twelve, and at each
stroke a Iousing cheer went up from the
chorus. The president was obliged to stop
talking for a few seconds
1t was Just 1905 when the President ut
tered his last word, and he at once retired
to his seat. Before the echo OF his words
had died away there was a cheering which
was deafeniDg. While the applause was
still going on the chorus broke into a p +
riotic air, and the din was terrific. As far
as the eye could reach there was one solid,
seethipg, surging mass of humanity, and
when their tbroats opened in unison, they
Fl lied the air and made an inspiring scene.
OTHER EXERCISES.
When quiet once more reigued Justice
Samuel +. Miller, of the United States So
preme Court, appeared and stepping quick
ly to the front of the stand and facing the
assembled dignitaries began the delivery of
his memorial Grafton.
1t was Just twenty minutes past one
o'clock when the memorial address was
concluded, having occupied just one hour
and ten minutes. Just as Justice Miller
was seated the band struck up 'Hail Column
bia' as an accompaniment to the chorus of
2c90 strong. The new words contributed
by Oliver Wendell Holmes were used, and
as the popular air foated into space it was
caught up by many OF the crowd, and this
with the beating of time By thousands Of
feet on the stand, produced an effect that
will lnger long in the memories OF those
who witnessed the scene. The national
hymn which was contributed by f. Marion
Crawford, was then recited by Prof. Muir
doch with chorus of 200 mems voices.
At forty minutes past one President
Kassop, one of the commission. calamity
took the arm of Cardinal Gibbons who,
with the glittering sun pouring down upon
his cardinal vestments and the red hat
so lately placed upon his head by the ven
cradle Leo XIII, looked his best and was
the recipient Of much attention. After
walking to the front of the stand and pay
ing his respects to the thousands Of people
who surged in and around the square,
with bow he turned, and facing the Pres
ident and within hearing of all sho occu-
| pied seats around the circle, offered q
| prayer TO the Almighty, and he was lis
| tened to with the closest possible attention,
and upon the conclusion of the prayer the
sweet strains of the patriotic "Sar
Spangled Banner" broke upon the crowd
| in volumes from the voices OF the grand
chorus, accompanied by the Marine band.
An Impressive penedictiou was then pro-
| nounced by Rev. Jere Witherspoon, of
Nashville. Tenn, this being the only alter
alton made In the programme as arranged
some time ago.